Ruben Olivares Returns To Canastota

CANASTOTA, NY – APRIL 25, 2013 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today legendary bantamweight and featherweight champion Ruben “El Puas” Olivares will be among returning Hall of Famers attending festivities planned for the 24th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend June 6-9th.

“Ruben Olivares was a dynamic puncher and one of the most exciting fighters to step into the ring. If you are a fan of knockout punchers, than you have to be a fan of Ruben Olivares,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming him back to Canastota from his home in Mexico.”

Olivares turned pro in 1965 and knocked out his first 23 opponents. “El Puas” twice reigned as world bantamweight champion (1969-70, 1971-72) and went up in weight to win the WBA featherweight crown in 1974 and the WBC version in 1975. Olivares holds wins over Lionel Rose, Chucho Castillo, Jesus Pimentel, Art Hafey and Hall of Famer Bobby Chacon. A superb knockout artist, of his 88 wins, 77 came by way of knockout. Extremely popular in his native Mexico, Olivares was also one of the greatest draws ever at the Fabulous Forum in Inglewood, CA.

Events planned for the weekend include a banquet, a night of welterweight warriors, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2013. Inductees include two-division champion Arturo “Thunder” Gatti (posthumous), five-time world champion Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill and two-time light flyweight champion Myung-Woo Yuh in the Modern category; “Let’s Get It On” referee Mills Lane, ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. and journalist Colin Hart. Posthumous inductees in the Old-Timer, Pioneer, Non-Participant and Observer categories will also be honored.

For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 24th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InternationalBoxingHallofFame and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BoxingHall.